Day 20: The Doctrine of the Church — Body, Bride, Temple

Scripture Reading:

“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:27, LSB

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25, LSB

“You also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” – Ephesians 2:22, LSB

The church is not a man-made institution. It is God’s creation, purchased by Christ’s blood and indwelt by His Spirit. Scripture describes the church with three vivid images: the body, the bride, and the temple.

First, the church is the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27). Believers are united to Christ as the Head and to one another as members of the same body. This shows our unity, diversity, and mutual dependence. Louis Berkhof notes, “The church is an organism with Christ as its Head, animated by the Holy Spirit” (Systematic Theology, p. 566). Doctrine reminds us that we are not isolated individuals but members of one living body.

Second, the church is the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:25–27). Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that she might be holy and pure. This image highlights the depth of Christ’s love and the church’s call to faithfulness. John Calvin wrote, “The church is the spouse of Christ, and He is bound to her by an indissoluble bond” (Institutes, 4.1.1). Doctrine keeps us from treating the church casually; she is the beloved bride for whom Christ died.

Third, the church is the temple of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:19–22). God dwells among His people by His Spirit. This shows the church’s holiness and her mission to be a witness of God’s presence in the world. Joel Beeke explains, “The church as temple means she is God’s dwelling place on earth, consecrated to His glory” (Reformed Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, p. 847).

These images remind us of the church’s identity and purpose. Doctrine protects us from reducing the church to a social club or human organization. The church is God’s chosen people, Christ’s beloved bride, and the Spirit’s holy dwelling.

Beloved, to love Christ is to love His church. To neglect the church is to despise what Christ cherishes. Doctrine teaches us to honor her as God’s household, to serve faithfully within her, and to look forward to the day when she will be presented spotless before her Bridegroom.

Personal Reflection

1. What does it mean for the church to be the body of Christ?

2. How does the image of the bride show Christ’s love for His people?

3. In what ways is the church God’s temple in the world today?

4. How should these doctrines shape the way you love, serve, and cherish the church?